MI HB6025

Removes the definition of "legal custodian" from the Guardianship Assistance Act and expands the definition of "relative" to include individuals with strong positive emotional ties to the child, not just blood or marital relations.

Changes eligibility criteria for guardianship assistance to require prospective guardians (relatives or licensed foster parents) to have the child reside with them for a minimum of 6 months before application, replacing previous criteria listed separately.

Establishes a formal approval process requiring criminal record checks, child abuse and neglect central registry checks, and fingerprint submission to state police and FBI for prospective guardians, successor guardians, and all adults in their homes.

Allows relatives caring for eligible Title IV-E-funded children in approved or licensed foster homes for 6 consecutive months to qualify for federal guardianship assistance funding when eligibility criteria are met.

Permits children not eligible for Title IV-E funding placed with relatives or licensed foster parents to qualify for state-funded guardianship assistance if they meet other specified requirements.